This paper presents several improvements on the constant-rate-of-strain consolidation (CRS) test. The improvements include a rational approach for selecting strain rate and a change in testing procedures to aid in: (1) the selection of strain rate and (2) obtaining more reasonable values of the coefficient of consolidation in initial phases of testing. Based on theoretical work by Wissa, a strain-rate equation is developed that is a function of permeability, liquidity index, and desired maximum pore pressure ratio. The change in procedure involves a method of conducting a permeability test in a back-pressure consolidation apparatus and then initiating consolidation loading without removing the gradient associated with the permeability test. Results of multiple-loading-cycle CRS tests on three clay soils with widely differing characteristics are used to establish the coefficient for the equation. The equation is an improvement over the procedure in ASTM Test for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Controlled-Strain Loading (D 4186) which bases the selection only on liquid limit. The proposed equation accounts for specimen permeability and stiffness.